Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/310

 tain, Kenneth, son of Erorcht, keep thou unsoil'd the freedom which I leave thee as a birth-right. Barter it not neither for the rich garment, nor for the stone roof, nor for the covered board, nor for the couch of down—on the rock, or in the valley, in abundance or in famine—in the leafy summer, and in the days of the iron winter—Son of the Mist! be free as thy forefathers. Own no lord—receive no law—take no hire—give no stipend—build no hut—inclose no pasture—sow no grain;—let the deer of the mountain be thy flocks and herds—if these fail thee, prey upon the goods of our oppressors—of the Saxons, and of the Gael who are Saxons in their souls, valuing herds and flocks more than honour and freedom. Well for us that they do so—it affords the broader scope for our revenge. Remember those who have done kindness to our race, and pay their services with thy blood, should the hour require it. If a MacIan shall come to thee with the head of the king's son in his hand, shelter him,